NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Former Giants quarterback Phil Simms called in Wednesday to WFAN’s “Boomer & Carton” show, defending comments he delivered Monday about Eli Manning, which made headlines Tuesday.

Comments on this website were mostly negative: “I now officially hate Phil Simms,” “This is the kind of claim that will turn a fan base on you,” and “Shut up Simms” just to give a few examples.

“I can say with all honesty, as it was coming out of my mouth I went, ‘Oh boy, this will really create some controversy,'” Simms told Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton. “But I still said it. You know, I could have — like I’ve done — could have said ‘You know, let’s redo that,’ because at that time we were taping a little segment.

“When I think of elite, I think of great accomplishments with unusual, very good, incredible skills on the field,” said Simms. “I didn’t even think about who it would be, but when I was saying — you know, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and I think Aaron Rodgers kind of fits in that mold. The rest we’ll see about.”

Manning went on to win his second Super Bowl MVP, quieting many who pooh-poohed the elite talk.

“We’re splitting hairs here,” said Simms. “I get it asked all the time, ‘Is so and so elite?’ I go, ‘Oh my gosh, please, somebody stick a needle in my eye.’ I’m just tired of answering it and hearing it. So I said it. Sorry it’s caused a little firestorm, but that’s the context I said it in.”

Simms eventually made another proclamation, albeit one far less controversial.

“Sorry Boomer, you wouldn’t be in my top 10 of all-time,” he said.

From one fair-haired, retired New York quarterback to another, Esiason responded: “Well you’re not elite either.”